To see blood in your stool can be a terrible thing. The shock of seeing your own blood is bad enough, but seeing it in such an unexpected place is worse. However, there are several things that can lead to it, and believe it or not, they are not life threatening. There are short-lived conditions that are completely treatable.
Bleeding conditions
The terms used in the diagnosis refer to the color of the chair. If the chairs are black and tarry, it’s Melena. If they are light red or brown, it is called hematchential. The rectum itself may not bleed, but it is referred to as rectal bleeding because this is where blood leaves the body.
Proctitis
While inflammation is the body’s way of healing an injury, chronic or persistent inflammation in the gut or colon can cause its own problems. Proctitis is an inflammation of the colon which, if it persists, can weaken the lining of the colon. If you have ulcers in your colon, they can cause proctitis. This leads to blood in the stool and you need to see a doctor. Although this condition is easily treatable, the rectal lining can develop holes if left untreated.
Fistulas
A fistula is like a tunnel. If you have a fistula in the anus or rectum, it means that there is an opening that connects this organ to the outside or to another organ. In other words, you have a crack inside. This is actually another of the inflammatory bowel diseases like the one mentioned above. Proctitis, Crohn’s disease, and colitis can cause this disease. With fistulas of this type, it is actually possible for the intestine or urine to leak into places where it would not normally leak. This can result in infection pus and blood in the stool. Although the bleeding itself is not an emergency, you are probably already under medical treatment when your condition reaches this stage.
Ripped anal opening
This is usually caused by constipation. Exercising during bowel movements can cause sphincter spasms. Since you have two of these muscles, the cramps can be quite painful. The internal and external sphincters must be relaxed for a bowel movement to take place. If you are constipated, the sphincter spasms can cause cracks that cause bleeding. This can be made easier by consuming more water and eating a healthier diet with a little more fiber. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also relieve swelling and pain.
Rectal prolapse
In older women, the rectum usually emerges partially from the anus. It is caused by weak muscles and ligaments, as well as an inverted pelvic floor. Surgery is often the only treatment.